Most enjoyable preserved railway rolling stock experiences?

[bishdunster]

Only if you have a cellar car maintained at the right temperature to go with it!

Fringe benefits for the shunters with all those extra pipes to disconnect

 

[Falcon1200]

The SVR is unique in also having a rake of LMS and LNER coaches

Agree 100% about the SVR's GWR, LNER and LMS stock, especially if paired with the 'right' loco..... They also have a prototype Mark 1 FO, 3083, which made for a different and enjoyable trip !

 

[DarloRich]

In no order:

• LNER Teak set on NYMR
• GWR carriages on SVR
• IOM railway carriages
• Open carriages on Welsh Highland railway

 

[Flying Phil]

I, and my friends, have really enjoyed the experience on the GCR with both the rebuilt LNER Beavertail and the Mk1 Veranda carriage.

 

[Taunton]

The high point of comfort and ambience in standard/second class loco hauled rolling stock is a well maintained pressure ventilated mark II.

I'll offer a GWR 1935 Excursion Stock Open, there's one at Didcot, where despite only going up and down the demo line it provides a pleasant ambience of comfortable seats, timber wall linings, etc. More than once I've heard when inside it "I wish modern trains were like this". All the more surprising when they were built for bottom-market low fare excursions, and it's spent the best part of 100 years now standing in the open on sidings.

 

[D6975]

The most comfortable preserved railway journey I've ever had was in the Severn Valley's Stanier LMS rake: The seats felt plusher and the suspension softer when compared to that railway's LNER Teak and BR mark 1 sets.

I'm with you on this, the seats in a compartment are very comfy and the windows open really wide so that 3 of you can easily get your heads out of there.

The worst journey I've done was in a brake van round Scunthorpe steelworks.

 

[davetheguard]

Welsh Highland Railway Pullman Cars are probably best heritage railway carriage experience in my book.

You beat me to it. Enthusiastically seconded.

 

[muddythefish]

I'll offer a GWR 1935 Excursion Stock Open, there's one at Didcot, where despite only going up and down the demo line it provides a pleasant ambience of comfortable seats, timber wall linings, etc. More than once I've heard when inside it "I wish modern trains were like this". All the more surprising when they were built for bottom-market low fare excursions, and it's spent the best part of 100 years now standing in the open on sidings.

What a waste too when it could earning a living on the SVR coupled with the 1935 Excursion Brake 3rd 650!

 

[Taunton]

What a waste too when it could earning a living on the SVR coupled with the 1935 Excursion Brake 3rd 650!

Here it is, No 1289. Compare to coming up from Paddington on a Class 800 :

No 1289 - Collett 'Excursion' Third | Didcot Railway Centre

Living Museum Of The Great Western Railway

didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

 

[xotGD]

I, and my friends,View attachment 110677 have really enjoyed the experience on the GCR with both the rebuilt LNER Beavertail and the Mk1 Veranda carriage.

I travelled on an open veranda on the North Norfolk a couple of years back right behind their 37. Dreadful!

 

[muddythefish]

Here it is, No 1289. Compare to coming up from Paddington on a Class 800 :

No 1289 - Collett 'Excursion' Third | Didcot Railway Centre

Living Museum Of The Great Western Railway

didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Yes, it's a beautiful vehicle, art deco; there are 2 similar on the SDR I believe, though not in as good condition. I've travelled in the SVR's Brake 3rd and it is stunning - the people who restored it deserve great credit

 

[EbbwJunction1]

North Norfolk quad arts. Fantastic and a great view too.

I had a very enjoyable journey on this rake last year!

 

[theageofthetra]

I, and my friends,View attachment 110677 have really enjoyed the experience on the GCR with both the rebuilt LNER Beavertail and the Mk1 Veranda carriage.

That's superb, is it only operated on special events?

 

[Flying Phil]

That's superb, is it only operated on special events?

It is available for private charters. We had hired it for my (delayed) birthday celebration. More details on GCR website.

 

[jumble]

Another vote for the IOWSR, the former Corris and Glyn Valley coaches on the Talyllyn.

First generation DMU's seated behind the driver and seeing his view. while not heritage, back in the 70's I travelled over the Devon and Cornish branches. Views you won't see today

The Ex Corris coach is great
No doors and you can sit on that bench
( My understanding is that on the actual Corris they have a replica but you are not allowed on the bench during travel as H and S will not allow it but this one has grandfather rights)
We have also been on it on all night running and it has no lights
Summer the Cocker Spaniel

 

[Iskra]

North Norfolk quad arts. Fantastic and a great view too.

Also been in Secr 3363 on the bluebell after it just been restored. Very comfy in 3rd class

This one is not technically a preserved railway one but worthy of a mention. I have recently been in the restored 1729 lner beavertail. Exceptional.

I didn't know there were any quad arts in preservation - thanks for the heads-up!

Welsh Highland Railway Pullman Cars are probably best heritage railway carriage experience in my book.

Those certainly look the part

Open coaches on the Tallylyn or their historic stock, very bumpy but a great experience!

Sounds an interesting one!

Another vote for KWVR - love the suburbans. Vintage Sundays through the summer are great, the Metropolitan coaches are great, with the war time posters inside.

I also think the Cravens is top notch at the ELR - I miss their 117 set as well. I'm not fussed on the 122 though.

I always like a spell on the GCR's Gresley Buffet coach as well.

Yes, the vintage coaches are a good shout too

I, and my friends,View attachment 110677 have really enjoyed the experience on the GCR with both the rebuilt LNER Beavertail and the Mk1 Veranda carriage.

An excellent looking experience!

I'll offer a GWR 1935 Excursion Stock Open, there's one at Didcot, where despite only going up and down the demo line it provides a pleasant ambience of comfortable seats, timber wall linings, etc. More than once I've heard when inside it "I wish modern trains were like this". All the more surprising when they were built for bottom-market low fare excursions, and it's spent the best part of 100 years now standing in the open on sidings.

That sounds good, although a shame it can't be on a line where it could stretch its legs a bit more!

The Ex Corris coach is great
No doors and you can sit on that bench
( My understanding is that on the actual Corris they have a replica but you are not allowed on the bench during travel as H and S will not allow it but this one has grandfather rights)
We have also been on it on all night running and it has no lights
Summer the Cocker Spaniel






View attachment 110821

Sorry, but I can't appreciate anything with wooden or plastic seats ...nice dog though!

 

[LethalDrizzle]

Welsh Highland Railway Pullman Cars are probably best heritage railway carriage experience in my book.

Can't disagree there - a wonderful combination of civilised and quirky. Fantastic scenery and a Garratt working away up front also help.